Because the Norway was never heavily produced the Federation still lacked a significant number of destroyer class vessels. Due to the increasing Borg activity in a post Dominion War Alpha Quadrant the new Essex class destroyers were built to include all the latest in anti-Borg technology. Small, quick, the Essex Destroyer is protected by a combination of heavy shielding and ablative armor, ensuring that this vessel can survive a pounding while still being able to give one back in return. At the time of its construction the Essex was the smallest Starfleet vessel to incorporate advanced torpedo launchers.